According to USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, during the first quarter of 2017 grain (corn, wheat, and soybeans) inspected for export from all U.S. ports reached a record 35.7 million metric tons, up 25 percent from the same
quarter last year and 28 percent above the 5-year average.

First quarter corn inspections, driven by high supplies, were the second highest on record. Shipments of corn increased to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Total soybean inspections were down slightly from last year, but wheat inspections were the highest since 2012, due mainly to increased demand from Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

The Gulf’s share of total grain exports continued to increase during the first quarter, as demand jumped for corn and wheat.

The Pacific Northwest's share of total grain exports decreased slightly from last year.

First quarter Gulf corn and soybean inspections increased significantly from last year, but wheat inspections in the Gulf were down slightly.